Exercise device

ABSTRACT

An exercise bench for use by a person on a support surface includes a base member having a distal end, a proximal end, a top surface, and a bottom surface. A pair of opposing foot restraints is fixed with, and disposed above and laterally away from, the base member. A riser projects upwardly from the proximal end of the base member and includes a calf restrain trolley slidably mounted thereon. A base plate can be fixed with the bottom surface of the base member, and a U-shaped base extension having two legs extending away from the proximal end of the base member can be attached to the proximal end of the base member. A plurality of attachments may be coupled to the bench to provide different exercises.

This patent application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/588,907 filed on Nov. 20, 2017; and is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/581,575 filed on Dec. 21, 2017, to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/057,442 filed on Mar. 1, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,878,203 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/133,206 filed on Mar. 13, 2015, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE SYSTEM

Sit-up exercises are well known for exercising a person's abs, legs and core muscle groups. Yet sit-up exercises typically require the exerciser's feet to be held down in some manner on the floor, such as with the assistance of another person. But such assistance is not always available or convenient for the other person.

Therefore, there is a need for a device that facilitates a full repertoire of sit-up exercises to be performed without the aid of another person. Such a needed device would provide for a variety of sit-up exercises, and would maintain a stable position on a floor surface. Such a needed device would be relatively inexpensive to manufacture, easy to use, store and transport. The present invention accomplishes these objectives.

SUMMARY

The present device is an exercise bench for use by a person on a support surface, A base member has a distal end, a proximal end, a top surface, and a bottom surface. A pair of opposing foot restraints is fixed with and disposed above and laterally away from the base member. Each foot restraint includes a padded cylindrical annulus for comfortable contact with the person's feet,

A riser is fixed at a lower end thereof with and projects upwardly from the proximal end of the base member. A calf restraint trolley is slidably mounted on the riser and has a pair of opposing calf restraints that each project laterally away from the riser. The calf restraint trolley has a height adjustment mechanism cooperative with the riser and adapted to allow selective height adjustment of the calf restraint trolley on the riser.

As such, with the base member mounted to the support surface and with the person positioned with each of his feet under one of the foot restraints and the calf restraint trolley height adjusted such that each calf restraint is positioned behind a calf of the person, the person may perform sit-up exercise on the support surface. The exercise bench may further include a base plate fixed with the bottom surface of the base member and extending laterally outwardly therefrom, such that the person stands on the base plate to anchor the exercise bench to the support surface with his weight, thereby not requiring that the base member be mounted to the support surface.

In another embodiment, the exercise bench further includes a rigid U-shaped base extension having two legs extending away from the proximal end of the base member. As such, the person may perform the sit-up exercises while lying on the support surface between the two legs of the base extension. The base extension prevents the exercise bench from tipping over when the weight of the person is centered beyond the proximal end of the base member.

In another embodiment, the exercise bench further includes a cushioned back support removably attached to the device, the back support having twin pivots, allowing the cushioned back support to be configured in a plurality of positions, and positive and negative incline, for a variety of exercise configurations.

In another embodiment, the exercise bench includes a triceps bar removably attached to a riser to allow bar dips and other triceps exercises to be performed using the device.

In another embodiment, the exercise bench includes a step removably mounted on the riser to allow stepping exercises to be performed using the device.

In another embodiment, the exercise bench includes a removably coupled punching flag to allow boxing exercises to be performed using the device.

The present invention facilitates a full repertoire of sit-up exercises without the aid of another person. The present device provides for a variety of sit-up exercises, and maintains a stable position on a floor surface during use. The present invention is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, easy to use, store and transport. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exercise bench of the invention, illustrating several different exercise positions of a person using the exercise bench;

FIG. 2 is an alternate perspective view of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the invention; and

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a height-adjustable calf restraint trolley of the invention.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate an embodiment of the device with a back support.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate view of the back support of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the trick support assembly of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 illustrates a triceps attachment in an embodiment of the device.

FIG. 9 illustrates additional attachments that can be attached to the device.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sled attachment that can be attached to the device.

FIG. 11 illustrates a hyper extension attachment that can be attached to the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SYSTEM

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. The following explanation provides specific details for a thorough understanding of and enabling description for these embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the claims use the word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list. When the word “each” is used to refer to an element that was previously introduced as being at least one in number, the word “each” does not necessarily imply a plurality of the elements, but can also mean a singular element.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exercise bench 10 for use by a person 20 on a support surface 15, such as a floor surface. A rigid base member 30 has a distal end 38, a proximal end 32, a top surface 39, and a bottom surface 31 (shown in FIG. 3). A pair of opposing foot restraints 40 is fixed with and disposed above the base member 30. Each foot restraint 40 projects laterally away from the base member 30. Preferably each foot restraint 40 includes a padded cylindrical annulus 140 for comfortable contact with the person's feet 22. Preferably the rigid base member 30 is made from a strong and durable metallic material.

A riser 50 is fixed at a lower end 52 thereof with and projects upwardly from the proximal end 32 of the base member 30. A calf restraint trolley 60 is slidably mounted on the riser 50 and has a pair of opposing calf restraints 70 that each project laterally away from the riser 50. The calf restraint trolley 60 has a height adjustment mechanism 80 cooperative with the riser 50 and adapted to allow selective height adjustment of the calf restraint trolley 60 on the riser 50. Preferably each calf restraint 70 includes one of the padded cylindrical annuli 140 for comfortable contact with the person's calves 24. Preferably the riser 50 is made from a strong and durable metallic material. The lower end 52 of the riser 50 may be welded to the proximal end 32 of the base member 30, or otherwise mechanically and rigidly fastened thereto.

Preferably the height adjustment mechanism 80 includes a spring-biased pin 110 (FIG. 4) that has a knob 120 at a proximal end 112 thereof. A distal end 118 of the pin 110 is urged into one of a plurality of height apertures 130 formed in the riser 50. As such, the calf restraint trolley 60 may be selectively positioned at a height of any one of the height apertures 130 by engaging the distal end 118 of the pin 110 into a selected one of the height apertures 130. The height adjustment mechanism 80 is preferably fixed on a proximal side 62 of the calf restraint trolley 60, centered between each calf restraint 70.

As such, with the base member 30 mounted to the support surface 15, such as with bolts (not shown), and with the person 20 positioned with each of his feet 22 under one of the foot restraints 40 and the calf restraint trolley height 60 adjusted such that each calf restraint 70 is positioned behind a calf 24 of the person 20, the person 20 may perform sit-up exercise on the support surface 15 (FIG. 1). The device is of sufficient stability so that the person 20 can face the opposite way and perform sit up exercises facing the opposite direction. In one embodiment, this is due to the weight of the device, as well as the design, preventing tipping when used facing the opposite way with the feet engaging the restraints 40.

In a preferred embodiment, the exercise bench 10 further includes a base plate 90 (FIGS. 2 and 3) fixed with the bottom surface 31 of the base member 30. The base plate 90 extends laterally outwardly from the base member 30, such that the person 20 stands on the base plate 90 to anchor the exercise bench 10 to the support surface 15 with his weight, thereby not requiring that the base member 30 be mounted to the support surface 15. Preferably the base plate is a relatively thin sheet metal material that either includes or does not include a high-friction surface pattern or material (not shown).

in another embodiment, the exercise bench 10 further includes a rigid U-shaped base extension 100 (FIGS. 1-3) having two legs 105 extending away from the proximal end 32 of the base member 30. As such, the person 20 may perform the sit-up exercises while lying on the support surface 15 between the two legs 105 of the base extension 100. The base extension 100 prevents the exercise bench 10 from tipping over when the weight of the person 20 is centered beyond the proximal end 32 of the base member 30. The base extension 100 is preferably made from a strong and durable metallic material and selectively bolted with the base member 30. As such, for portability and storage, the base extension 100 may be selectively removed from the base member 30. In another embodiment, the base extension 100 is permanently affixed to the base member 30.

While a particular form of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, The U-shaped base extension 100 may take a different shape, such as a V-shape or Y-shape (not shown). Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.

The embodiments of FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the use of the device without a back support. Instead, the user rests on the floor surface between the legs of the base extension 100. FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate an alternate embodiment where the device includes a cushioned back support that may be removably coupled to the device and configured in a plurality of positions. Referring first to FIG. 5A, the back support 500 is mounted to a base 504 via two pivoting bars 501 and 502. The bars are each pivotally mounted to the bottom of the back support 500 and to a support base. The pivoting bars each include a plurality of stop adjustments (using pins) to affix each bar in one of a plurality of positions.

FIG. 5A shows a “Flat Up” position where the bars 501 and 502 are extended so that the back support is level and at its highest distance from the support base. By adjusting bar 501, the back support 500 can be positioned in the “Decline 2.0” position of FIG. 5B where the user's head is lower than the user's middle section.

Alternately, the bar 502 can be extended and bar 501 released, so that the back support 500 is in an “Incline 2.0” configuration of FIG. 5C, with the user's head above the user's middle section.

With both of bars 501 and 502 fully released, the back support 500 is in the “Flat Ground 2.0” position of FIG. 5D, closest to the support base.

The back support 500 can be removably attached to the base extension 100 via flat hocks. The bars 501 and 502 can include handles to allow repositioning of the bars to a plurality of positions. The pins can be spring biased pins that can be pulled out for readjustment and released into one of a plurality of holes to hold the bars in place. Alternately, the pins can be completely removed and reinserted during the adjustment process.

FIG. 6 illustrates alternate views of the back support 500, including a view from beneath the back support 500 showing the bars 501 and 502 positioned substantially in the center line of the back support 500. The device includes stop adjustments 506 that can be used to position the back support 500. The flat hocks 505 are used to attach the back support structure to the base extension 100. The flat hocks 404 include an angled member that hooks over the base extension 100 and keeps it in place. Each bar includes a pivot point 507 and 508 respectively in the middle of the back support 500, on the underneath surface.

FIG. 7 illustrates the components of the back support 500. The base 504 includes the hock plate 505 for attaching the base 504 to the U-shaped base extension 100. Arms 501 (15 inches in one embodiment) and 502 (15 inches in one embodiment) are coupled to the base 504 and to the support spine 507. Arm 502 may include handles 503 protruding therefrom to aid in positioning and configuring the back support 500 in one or more positions. The support spine 507 is coupled to the bottom of the cushion 506 and is used to provide rigidity to the cushion 506 during use.

FIG. 8 illustrates a triceps attachment 800 that can be removably coupled to the riser 50 or the top of height adjustment mechanism 80. The triceps attachment 800 is a handlebar shaped device is gripped by the user to perform one or more triceps related exercises, including bar-dips and reverse bar-dips. The attachment 800 includes an attachment device 801 (e.g. a hollow square sleeve in one embodiment, although it could be round, or any other cross sectional shape as long as it can register with the height adjustment mechanism) that can slide over the top of the height adjustment mechanism 80 and thereby remain in place during use. The attachment 800 includes handlebars 802 coupled to the attachment device 801. If desired, the attachment device 801 can include a slot that registers with, and slides over, a protrusion on the adjustment mechanism 80, to provide additional stability to the attachment 800. The attachment 800 can be attached in any orientation on the adjustment mechanism 80, allowing for a plurality of configurations, including facing the apparatus, facing away from the apparatus, or facing the apparatus from the side or from an angle.

FIG. 9 illustrates two additional attachments that may be used with the device. In one embodiment, a stepping attachment 900 is removably coupled to allow stepping exercises to be performed on the device. The stepping attachment comprises a platform 901 and attaching member 902. The attaching member 902 may be a rectangular sleeve (or any suitable cross section) that fits over the height adjustment mechanism 80, allowing the stepping attachment to be used for step exercises. The level of the stepping attachment 900 can be adjusted by adjusting the height adjustment mechanism 80 higher or lower as desired.

In one embodiment, a punching bag attachment 903 (e.g. heavy bag) is coupled to the exercise device. The punching back attachment 903 includes a punching bag 904, flexible stand 905, and attachment member 906. The attachment member 906 is a horizontal bar disposed on the floor that can be attached to the front of the foot restraint via, for example, a locking pin. The punching bag 904 is mounted on a spring support member 905 that allows movement of the punching bag over 360 degrees while in use.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sled attachment 1000 that can be used with the apparatus. The sled attachment comprises a foot 1001 that has a flat surface 1005 and one or more angled members 1006 that allow the apparatus to be slid along the ground surface. A post 1006 extends vertically from the foot 1000.

The foot 1001 can be inserted into holes formed the ends of the arms of extension 100. At that point longer poles 1002 can be slipped over post 1006 to provide handles to a user to push the apparatus along the ground as a training exercise. A third foot 1001 can be attached to the member 39 to allow better movement of the apparatus when being pushed. Weights 1003 can be placed over the poles 1002 to increase the resistance during use.

In one embodiment, the system includes a set of ropes or cables 1004 that can attach to member 39 via an attachment pin (not shown) so that the user can pull the apparatus instead of pushing it, increasing the number of exercises that can be performed with the apparatus.

FIG. 11 illustrates a hyperextension attachment 1100 that can be coupled to the apparatus to provide an additional exercise for use with the system. The hyperextension attachment 1100 comprises an angled attachment arm 1101 and a padded upper member 1102. The attachment arm is inserted onto the riser 50 and pin 1103 is used to adjust the height of arm 1101 relative to the base.

The padded member 1102 includes a shaft 1105 that is inserted into arm 1101 and is adjusted via pin 1103 to different positions as desired. The padded member 1102 may include handlebars 1104 so that bar dips and other exercises may be accomplished using the hyperextension apparatus.

In use, the user hooks her feet against the foot pads with his abdomen, on the padded member 1102. The user can then arch backward to hyperextend and perform an additional exercise with the apparatus.

Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.

The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

Changes can be made to the invention in light of the above “Detailed Description.” While the above description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Therefore, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated.

While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise bench for use by a person on a support surface, comprising: a base member disposed on the floor and having a distal end, terminating in a proximal end, a top surface, and a bottom surface; a foot restraint fixed with and disposed above the base member, a riser fixed with and projecting upwardly from the proximal end of the base member at a lower end thereof; a calf restraint trolley slidably mounted on the riser, the calf restraint trolley having a height adjustment mechanism cooperative with the riser and adapted to allow selective height adjustment of the calf restraint trolley on the riser; a removably coupled U-shaped base extension having two legs extending away from the proximal end of the base member a plurality of attachments that can be removably coupled to the exercise bench to provide a plurality of exercises.
 2. The exercise bench of claim 1 wherein one of the plurality of attachments comprises an adjustable back support.
 3. The exercise bench of claim 1 wherein one of the plurality of attachments comprises a set of handlebars for bar dips.
 4. The exercise bench of claim 1 wherein one of the plurality of attachments comprises a step. The exercise bench of claim 1 wherein one of the plurality of attachments comprises a punching bag.
 6. The exercise bench of claim 1 wherein one of the plurality of attachments comprises a plurality of feet and a means for pushing and pulling the exercise bench.
 7. The exercise bench of claim 1 wherein one of the plurality of attachments comprises a hyperextension member. 